West magazine April 9 2016

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09.04.16

‘I just had to help them’ One woman, one refugee crisis...

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ways to look & feel your best

INSIDE: + CELEBRITY KNITWEAR + FLORAL BEAUTY

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INSIDE: + HERB GARDENS + PADSTOW WEEKENDS

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Why “off the gas grid” needn’t mean “off the shortlist” With many of Cornwall’s most picturesque locations out of the reach of mains gas, Mark Britton of South West Heating examines the options for homebuyers and vendors alike. From Torpoint to Sennen, and Bude to the Lizard Peninsula, some of Cornwall’s most beautiful places are also among the most remote. In fact, the secluded location is often a big part of the appeal.

What’s more, the Economy 7 energy tariff that night storage uses offsets its night-time discount by making your peak time energy more expensive – costing you more every time you do your ironing, watch television or make a cup of tea.

But life off the beaten track has its challenges, and high on the list for homeowners is finding a reliable, affordable way to heat a property with no mains gas.

Switching to a self-contained “wet” heating system – powered by oil or bottled gas – can be an effective option, but it’s hardly straightforward.

Buyers want efficient heating That presents the region’s home buyers with a dilemma. After all, a 2014 survey found efficient heating is a top priority for 73% of buyers – making it more important than parking, a garden or a shower – but ruling out properties without mains gas can severely limit your buying options. For vendors, too, it’s a problem. In particular, try selling a property that still relies on night storage heaters. They’re famously hard to control, expensive to run, and always seem to run out of heat just when you need it most.

Oil and LPG: messy and complicated

Even for properties with the luxury of space to store a bulky tank, there’s the hassle, mess and disruption of pipework – not to mention the worry of notoriously volatile prices and, in remote areas, potential difficulties with deliveries. It’s no wonder that vendors can be reluctant to install new central heating just to sell – or that buyers prefer properties where the heating is already sorted out. Your secret weapon: ELKAtherm® electric radiators Where replacing ageing, inefficient or inadequate heating with a new “wet” system is not practical or desirable, the new generation of efficient, electric ELKAtherm® radiators are an excellent option.

Slimmer and more attractive than night storage heaters, ELKAtherm® heating is easy to adjust without even leaving your sofa – and because there’s no need for wasteful overnight charging, you can be as warm as you like, at a moment’s notice. You can switch away from your Economy 7 tariff, too – saving money on your energy overall – as the efficient, German heating technology uses far less power, more than making up for the overnight discount. Upgrade in a day Crucially, the lack of pipework and storage tanks means ELKAtherm® radiators are no trouble at all to install – here at South West Heating, we usually upgrade an entire property in a single day, and leave the home as pristine as if it were our own. That’s good to know if you’re trying to sell a property with night storage heaters – and if it’s a sticking point in that perfect property you’re keen to buy, you can safely go ahead and negotiate your discount: we won’t tell how easy it is to fix, if you don’t.

For more advice on efficient, controllable heating, call South West Heating on 01209 714600, visit southwestheatingsolutions.co.uk or write to us at ‘Freepost SOUTH WEST HEATING SOLUTIONS’ no other address details required (not even a postcode). ©LW

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‘When you see baby sized life jackets washing up, you have to help’ How Cornwall’s Nina Coulson is helping desperate refugees, p.16

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FULL OF WONDER Surprising decor in South Brent

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FRESHEN UP FOR SPRING Skincare treatments to try today

EXPLORE THE WEST Secret places to discover now

[contents[ Inside this week... 5

SWEET TREATS Win delicious Cornish fudge

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JUST BETWEEN US... Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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GIRLS IN PURLS Knit designer Nicola’s A-list fashion

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A WEEKEND IN... Padstow’s enduring appeal

WOMAN ON A MISSION Nina Coulson’s remarkable charity work

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CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER Glazebrook House will enchant you

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IN THE GARDEN Anne Swithinbank’s pick of the herbs

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NATURE’S BOUNTY Beautiful botanicals for your skin

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DENIM DELIGHTS Feminine twists on a classic, this spring

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CULTURE VULTURE What’s on and where to go

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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GOLDEN BROWN The comeback beers creating a stir

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WHAT A WEEK Chris McGuire has a confession

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FLOUR POWER Chef Tim Maddams gets stuck in

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KNITTING FOR THE STARS

Nicola Kathren’s A-list fashion

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ON A MISSION

The Cornish woman saving lives

[ welcome [ Is spring fever inspiring you? hat a difference a year can make. Twelve months ago, mum-of-six Nina Coulson was peacefully living what she regarded as her dream life in west Cornwall. Then, when she saw news reports about the refugee crisis in the Greek island of Lesbos, Nina decided to see if she could help. Fast forward to today, and Nina is running a dynamic and fast-moving fund-raising initiative to send desperately-needed money and supplies directly to the refugees arriving on the beaches of Lesbos. Read all about her heart-warming and deeply moving story today on page 16 - with de-

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Tweet

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of the week @jacobs_hut @WMNWest Thank you for such a lovely competition this week. #Win #ShepherdsHutStay #HeaveninDevon TO ADVERTISE: Contact Lynne Potter: 01752 293027 or 07834 568283, lynne.potter@dc-media.co.uk

tails of how you can help, too. I’m sure you’ll be impressed - I know I was. Elsewhere in today’s magazine (page 12) we meet another woman who has changed her life to do something really rather wonderful. Lyme Regis’ Nicola Kathrens was an actor but then decided to get creative in a different way, through the medium of knitwear. Her oneoff bespoke designs are now worn by the likes of Emma Thompson and Julie Walters - and they look completely gorgeous, too. So if spring fever has grabbed you just lately, then do have a good look through West today, and get inspired. Have a great weekend.

Seeing the refugee crisis on the news, she wanted to help

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Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: John Freddy Jones

EDITORIAL: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk Tel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Lynne Potter

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If you buy one thing this week... Try some mouth-watering fudge and other artisan sweeties from Cornish maker Buttermilk. Their skilled team blend ingredients the traditional way in copper pans over open flames. The family-run confectionery company started producing handmade fudge in Padstow in 1964, and now makes 60 flavours of fudge, tablet, brittle, chocolate clusters and honeycomb at its new kitchen in Bodmin. See www.buttermilk.co.uk for details.

Win

Buttermilk is offering one lucky West reader the chance to win a selection of its sweet artisan treats worth over £50. Just tell us where the firm’s new kitchen is based. Email your answer, marked Buttermilk, with your contact details to westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk by April 23. Normal terms apply. West magazine will not share your details.

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Heart sunglasses

IN FLIGHT

£16 Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams

White Stork cushion handmade from vintage silk kimonos £40 stuffofdreams.com

the

wishlist West’s top picks for spending your time and money this week

STREET STYLE STAR Emily Harper, 18 It comes as no surprise to learn that Emily is a fashion student at the Plymouth College of Art. Doesn’t she look terrific? Emily has a great sense of style and we love the way she has balanced her all-black outfit with the neutral shearling lining of her draped jacket. Sunglasses: Miss Selfridge Jacket: Zara Top: Asos Bag: Florelli Jeans: New Look Trainers: Nike

GLOVELY Handmade gardening gauntlet gloves in cream and heather pink leather £29.95 www.annabeljames.co.uk

SMART SLEEVES Handmade labrador cufflinks £29.95 www. annabeljames.co.uk

Send your stylish snaps of you or a friend looking fab to westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 6

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Wishlist

ALL ROSY RHS Rosa Chinensis gardener’s A5 notebook £7.95 www. annabeljames.co.uk

THESE ROCK Rock and Roll salad servers £15 www.maidenshop.com

Store we adore...

fave! La Sardine watch from France £122.74 www.laruze. com

p, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens STORE WESho ADORE: Artisan If you visit Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in west Cornwall you’ll find some real treats in the shop there. Look out for unusual handmade finds from across the South West, including colourful jewellery made from recycled

skateboards in Falmouth. It is run by Ali Corder, a printmaker whose own work includes brooches featuring the sailor’s good luck symbol, the swallow. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Gulval near Penzance, 01736 448089

Porcelain rose gold earrings designed by Lille Mus £39.60 en.dawanda.com 7

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... Grade expectations – it’s options time he first-time parenting challenges just keep coming. This time, our daughter is choosing her GCSE options. We’ve just been through a brain-smoking process of trying to get our heads around the topic. An apology: listening to other parents talk about exam choices usually makes me glaze over. over them of CHOOSING OPThis is one of those subjects in TIONS. And given that they are which you are intensely interall somewhat melodramatic, it ested if your kids are at that age, seemed like The Most Important and really could not care less Decision They Were Ever Going about if they have already been To Make. Getting it wrong was through it, or if it is a distant going to RUIN THEIR LIFE. point on the horizon. So, sorry I do not envy these kids this about the lack of universality this stress. I think doing exams to week. determine what you have learned But if you’re in the same boat, in three whole years is horrible, oh my goodness! What a lot I’ve especially if they’re all taken at had to figure out the end. What a lot this month. of pressure! So first of all, When I was they’ve changed growing up in the I think doing the grading States, we had no exams to system. What such thing. You took was an A* or an a class, which took determine what A or whatever half a year, and at you’ve learned in is now a system the end of it you of numbers. were given a grade, three whole years They’ve predictwhich was based is horrible. What ed a target level on your work plus a lot of pressure for the kids, so a mid-term and that was the first final exam. This thing to transwas worth a certain late. amount of points: 4 Secondly, all those years of for an A, 3 for a B, 2 for a C, and 1 coursework counting for part of for a D. All your grades across the your grade are for nought: now subjects would be totted up to get it’s back to the old system of your grade point average (GPA). exam only. Baby? Bathwater? Your GPA was kind of a rolling Third of all, they’re bringtotal, and you built on what you ing the options choices a year learned – Algebra I went into forward, so kids are starting to Algebra II and so on. choose in year eight, not year I think I would have had a nine. nervous breakdown if I’d had to It’s always hard being a transibe tested all at the end. Goodtion year, and these year eights ness knows what state our family have certainly felt the stress. will be in three years hence. It’s They have this spectre hanging draconian, I tell you.

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Gillian Molesworth is a journalist and mum-of-two who grew up in the USA and moved to north Cornwall when she met her husband

FLORALS

with a twist The American comic actress Leslie Mann wore this eye-catching frock by the Lebanese designer Reem Acra at the London premiere of How To Be Single recently. Her outfit not only looked gorgeous, it also ticked the trend boxes for spring 2016: dark florals with sheer fabrics. This pretty and flattering Phase Eight dress is a great high street equivalent, and here are a couple of other affordable ways to access Leslie’s fashion-forward red carpet style

Prudence dress £169 Phase Eight

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Detailed Marchesa dress £65 ChicBy-Choice.com

OPTION A Delightful Print dress £60 Chi Chi London www.zalando. co.uk

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09.04.16

Just

00

between us

HEAVEN? Poldark star Aidan Turner is said to be in talks for the role of James Bond, and fans are already picturing him with the famous shaken-not-stirred martini. His lead role in Cornish period drama has made the 32-year-old actor a TV heartthrob and, according to one newspaper report, Aidan flew to Los Angeles for discussions with the Bond producers.

While he was in LA, his Poldark producer Karen Thrussell had to accept an “impact” award on his behalf at the National Television Awards, for his memorable topless scything scene. At the time, she too appeared to hint at 007, saying of Aidan’s absence: “I am sure it is nothing to do with James Bond, but we will see!”

[ [ ‘I’m so excited to be playing such an iconic role’

BREAKFAST CLUB Former Coronation Street actress and Strictly Come Dancing star Georgia May Foote is set to make her professional stage debut as Holly Golightly in a touring production of Breakfast At Tiffany’s. She will share the role with pop star Pixie Lott – who is top of the bill when the show comes to Plymouth in June – and Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack. After a summer run in London, the play will go on the road and is due to be staged in Bristol and Cardiff from September, when Georgia joins its trio of leading ladies. She said: “I am so excited that for my first theatre role, I will be playing such an iconic character. It’s a wonderful adaptation of an incredible story and I’m really thrilled to be part of it!”

Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

!

STARS

AND SUNSHINE Star Wars actor John Boyega made one five-year-old boy’s dream come true when he delivered toys to sick children at the Royal London Hospital recently. Little Daniel Bell had said he wished he could hand out presents to other young patients alongside his favourite film Star Wars character, Finn. Film star John duly arrived at the hospital dressed in character and taught Daniel some nifty lightsaber moves as part of the special treat. The special day was arranged by Rays of Sunshine, which grants the special wishes of seriously and terminally ill children. It’s a charity close to the heart of Deborah Meaden’s mum, the Westcountry hotelier Sonia Meaden, who has actively supported the cause for years. Daniel’s mum Rosalind said his meeting with John, who described Daniel as an “amazing and inspirational” boy, had been beyond price. John may have scooped a Bafta for his Star Wars role in February, but we think this truly shows him for the shining star he is.

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Sea life: Matt Austin snapped this young starfish at the opening of Seaton Jurassic, a new coastal visitor centre

in pictures Bray trip: Paddy and Chocolate from The Donkey Sanctuary visit Buckfast Abbey

Pay a visit: St Ives storyteller Shanty Baba has converted his bathroom into a quirky museum celebrating Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton

Garden glam: Viscount and Viscountess Weymouth from Longleat come to see Kilver Court’s new garden nursery in Shepton Mallet

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talking points Si-fi

Chips?

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

10 fan-fiction titles inspired by Simon Cowell published on Wattpad.com

1 Simon Cowell’s Little Secret 2 Life As Simon Cowell’s Daughter 3 Simon Cowell Is My Uncle 4 Simon Cowell’s Rebel Niece 5 Adopted By Simon Cowell 6 The Call From Simon Cowell 7 Simon Cowell’s What?

10 potato varieties to grow

1 Amora 2 Emblem 3 Majestic 4 Red robin 5 Panther 6 Jester 7 Marvel 8 Verity 9 Celine 10 Zohar

The happy list

8 The Secret Daughter of Simon Cowell 9 Simon Cowell Saved My Life 10 Don’t Tell My Uncle Simon Cowell

Extinct 10 creatures now lost to history

1 Thylacine (1936) 2 Bulldog rat (1902) 3 Lesser stick-nest rat (1933)

4 Falkland Island wolf (1876)

5 Queen of Sheba’s gazelle (1951) 6 Steller’s sea cow (1768) 7 Pig-footed bandicoot (1950s)

8 Cape lion (1858) 9 Quagga (1833) 10 Cebu warty pig (2000)

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Sunshine between the cloudbursts

2 Comedian Damian Kingsley’s shows in aid of Shelter

3 Sale! Discount Easter Eggs 4 Blossom cherry and apple 5 SpringFest food, music and fun in Cullompton, today

6 The Archers gripping! 7 Florentines our baking fad 8 National Gardening Week –

This week:

Helen Glover Rowing champion Helen Glover grew up in Penzance

Medals: Helen Glover, 29, is the reigning Olympic, World, World Cup and European champion in the women’s coxless pairs. Helen is currently ranked the Number 1 female rower in the world. Cornwall: Helen grew up in Penzance. Her family runs Jelberts, an ice-cream café selling its own handmade ice cream, in nearby Newlyn. Jelberts was started by Helen’s greatgrandfather.

I was at school I was quite strongminded, I started up sports teams, I played in the boys’ football team. I wouldn’t let anyone tell me I couldn’t do anything.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Helen is a self-confessed chocoholic and loves Creme Eggs!

Family: She comes from sporting stock. Her father Jimmy captained the Oxford University rugby team and also played for the Barbarians. Her mother Rachel is a keen triathlete. School: Helen went to Humphry Davy School in Penzance, then won a sixth-form sporting scholarship to the Somerset public school Millfield – but not for rowing. Back then, she was into hockey and running. “When

Relationship: After meeting the TV adventurer Steve Backshall four years ago, the couple got engaged last autumn while on holiday in Africa. “Happiest girl in the world!!! Most romantic moment ever as the sun was setting in Namibia.” Helen tweeted at the time

Plans: After a degree in Sport Science at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Helen initially planned to become a PE teacher. Rowing: In July 2008, after graduating from the University of Wales Helen started rowing with the Sporting Giants scheme. She had to be 5ft 11in to qualify and later admitted to standing on tiptoe, as she is actually 5 ft 10.

dig in.

9 Family snaps – say cheese. 10 New trainers step one of our summer fitness goals

Competition winners: Congratulations to Jennifer Coombs of Exmouth, who has won a bunch of 60 narcissi from Churchtown Farm on St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly.

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Interview

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NICOLA KATHRENS

Knitting for the stars

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Nicola Kathrens creates superstar knitwear in Lyme Regis. She tells Sarah Pitt about designing for the likes of Emma Thompson and Julie Walters

By Sarah Pitt

eet Nicola Kathrens, knitwear designer to the stars, whose creations are worn by the likes of Julie Walters and Emma Thompson. As an actress, Nicola used to travel the world. “Back then, I lived on adrenalin, alcohol and applause,” she jokes. But in 1997, Nicola decided she’d had enough of treading the boards. She left the bright lights behind her and headed for the seaside town of Lyme Regis in Dorset, to start a new life. “My sister lives here with her two children. I decided if I didn’t come and be with the babies then they would have grown up and I would have missed it,” she explains . “So I was a hands-on auntie for a time, and it was lovely. Then I looked around and thought, now what do I do with myself ?” Despite leaving the theatre behind, Nicola was still very much in touch with her creative side. And that creativity was to spark a whole new career, designing topend bespoke knitwear. “I was painting china at the time and selling that – then this voice said to me ‘go

M

upstairs, get that jumper, cut it up, stitch it’,” she says. And so her first one-off ‘recycled’ creation was born. And Nicola’s theatrical connections stood her in good stead when finding customers, too. After designing a jacket that was inspired by an outfit the actress Emma Thompson wore to go riding with Hugh Grant in the film Sense and Sensibility, Nicola could not resist writing to Emma Thompson, offering her one of her creations as a gift. “She went on my website to have a look, and came back and said she’d absolutely love one,” says Nicola. “So I went up to meet her at her house in London and took my jackets with me. “In the end, I went up to see her twice, taking her measurements and, from my wool samples, she chose the colours. Then we made the jacket and three months later took it up to her to try on. What a lovely woman she is! It is a connection I will never forget.” And there’s another famous woman modelling one of Nicola’s creations, too. Educating Rita star and national treasure Julie Walters happened upon Nicola’s studio during a visit to Lyme Regis. “She walked past my studio and I said to

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main picture: matt austin

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Interview

myself ‘goodness me, that looks like it could be Julie Walters’. Then she walked in, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, it is Julie Walters!’ We had a laugh about that, and a lovely chat and then I asked if there was anything particular that she wanted, and she said ‘yes, that one in the window’.” And when it came to paying, Nicola insisted that Julie put her purse away. “I said, you have entertained me for so many years, you take it. She said ‘oh no’, but I said ‘no, you have it’. These are women who live high profile lives. I feel proud

Julie Walters is a fan of Nicola’s knitwear designs

that they are wearing my work.” Nicola makes special-occasion creations, often embellished with ruched velvet and embroidery. They have a theatrical flair, as you might expect from a former actress. She designs her own handknitted creations – figure-flattering jackets, cardigans and even a full-length frockcoat, inspired by period dramas she loves to watch on TV. While Nicola is very much the design talent of her business, she doesn’t, in fact, do the knitting. All her hand-knits are made by one skilful woman who lives in Bridport. Corinne is so modest that she prefers her second name not to appear in print. The two work together on each bespoke creation, adjusting the design to fit each client.

“It was quite scary initially because I’m not a tailor. I’m working in wool not fabric, so I can’t make a toile (a practise garment),” says Nicola. “There’s always that moment of apprehension, when they put it on for the first time, and you think ‘oh my goodness, have I got it right’?” Nicola’s handmade designs range in price from £420 up to £2,500 for her latest design, a show-stopping highwayman’s coat. This piece even comes with its own mannequin, so that it keeps its shape. Each one is designed specifically for the individual customer – measurements, colours and customised decoration. This process is very much about making a client feel a million dollars and can’t be rushed, says Nicola. Each piece takes between three and eight months to

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Emma Thompson loves the jacket Nicola Kathrens made for her

create. “We don’t churn,” she says. “We are slow, but women are prepared to wait for this kind of quality.” Her knitwear flatters women’s curves, with jackets called names like Rita, Sybill and, the one that started it all off, Sweetie Pie. “I can make both Rubenesque women and fairies feel good,” she says. “It is extraordinary when a woman comes in to try my work on and I can see her fall in love with herself in the mirror. She will literally change the way that she is standing.”

Nicola’s customers are mainly women over 30. “Any younger than that, and they can’t afford me!” she says. “The oldest woman I have knitted for was in her mid-80s. She looked fantastic. She said to me: I have never spent so much money on one piece of clothing in my whole life, and I’m going to get buried in it. No one else is having it.” For customers who want a bit of Nicola Kathrens design but can’t stretch to a jacket, she also

‘ She walked past and

I thought, my goodness me,

that looks like Julie Walters’

has some enticing scarves. They were inspired by saris Nicola saw Indian women wearing in Rajasthan and are machine knitted, with intricate patterns. Nicola describes her work as “a one woman show” which is all about making women feel great about themselves.“I can remember when I was a child there was one particular jumper I put on that always made me feel amazing,” she says. “ I love that feeling a special piece of clothing gives you, when you put it on and you feel like you can conquer everything. That is what I want to replicate with the clothes I make now.” Kathrens Rare Knitwear 35 Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, www.kathrens.co.uk. Nicola’s work is also on show at Green Hill Arts, Moretonhampstead from April 23-June 11 (01647 440775). 15

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photography: john freddy jones

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People

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NINA COULSON

Woman on a mission

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A year ago, Nina Coulson was a mum of six, enjoying family life in west Cornwall . Then she saw images of mothers and babies washing up on the Greek island of Lesbos, and her life changed utterly. Today, Nina runs the Cornish charity UK Action for Refugees, as Catherine Barnes found out

By Catherine Barnes

or the rescuers, it’s like being on the coast path in Cornwall. Pitch dark and you don’t know they’re out there till you hear the screams,” says Nina Coulson. Since moving down to Gillan, west Cornwall, from Manchester in 2006, Nina, 47, her husband Digby, 50 and their children – who range in age from 13 to 26 – have lived, as she puts it, a “blissful if fairly chaotic” life in a rambling former hotel, complete with nine dogs. As the silent partner in a succesful business she set up with her younger sister, Nina has just enough financial freedom to live her Westcountry dream. But last summer, her eyes were opened to other families who were living a nightmare. It began when she saw news footage of refugee boats being washed up on Greek holiday island Lesbos. “One day

“F

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People

Elleni, supported by her dad, Eric, brings a little boy to safety on Lesbos

stuck in my mind,” she says. “A two-tiered boat drive it there.” arrived and the top tier collapsed. It went down Wetsuits were a priority. With refugees unable in three minutes. That’s when I began to look at to swim, local rescuers would plough into the sea the Facebook pages from people who are actually time and time again, in the clothes they stood up there. I realised throwing money at a big charin. One, unwilling to give up, got hypothermia as ity just wasn’t enough. When you see a result. So Nina organised an appeal baby-sized life jackets washing up via social media and saw hundreds empty, you have to help.” of wetsuits from Cornwall and Nina began combing elsewhere donated. social media for first-hand She then began fundaccounts from people raising too, founding UK in Lesbos, who could Action for Refugees to not witness the sufferraise an initial £6,000 to ing without reaching cover the cost of transout to help. She ‘met’ porting the wetsuits to via Facebook a couple Lesbos. Cornish resicalled Eric and Philipdents and local busipa Kempson, plus nesses came forward their teenage daughwith warm clothes and ter Elleni, who all live other essentials, too – far in Lesbos, and got their too much for a single miniphone number. bus to carry. “They told me that no one “In the end we needed an arElleni and Nina was turning up to help,” she ticulated lorry and sent 32 pallets says. “They had moved there to of aid,” says Nina. She is keen to acenjoy an idyllic home in Greece with sea knowledge west Cornwall based container views, rather like the impulse that took me to company Dennis Oates & Sons for their generous Cornwall. But now there were bodies washing up (and often hands-on) support. on the beach. Digby and I own a 16 seat minibus, “The response in Cornwall has been amazing,” so I said, tell us what you need and Digby will she says. “If you give people a vehicle and say

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here’s what you can do, they do it. The help doesn’t need to be financial. When I’m tearing my hair out, they’re there. “I think this crisis has changed the face of charity in the UK,” adds Nina, who says that friends on the ground in Lesbos have been frustrated by the slow response of major charities. “They are just too big to make the connections we do,” she explains. “More and more people don’t want to give to a big charity if the money will be eaten up by administration costs. They like the transparency of what we’re doing – it’s just people helping people.” So when Eric and Philippa asked if she could provide a sanctuary for their own daughter, Nina welcomed the teenager, who grew up on Lesbos, with open arms. “Elleni was living in the midst of the refugee crisis for 12 months. Eric and Philippa tried to shield her from it, but if they went down to the beach, she went with them. She was pulling people out of the water. They wanted a bit of normality for her,” explains Nina, who has yet to meet friends Eric and Philippa face to face. “She got a hard time at school in Lesbos, as not everyone was supportive of what her par-

ents were doing. Instead, she is now doing a lot here in Cornwall to support her family and the charity. “She’s incredibly talented musically and just been accepted at music college in Guildford. I’m hoping she’ll pursue her loves and her career and blossom into the wonderful person I know she is. My own kids are all very independent and creative and this experience has done them good.” At just 17, Elleni is incredibly composed, despite the desperation she’s witnessed. She is performing fundraising gigs and has penned her own composition, A Song for Lost Souls, to raise awareness of the refugees’ plight. In recent weeks UK Action for Refugees has shipped out two containers full of clothes, food and nappies, donated and sorted by generous souls in Cornwall. The charity has also sent a fully-equipped ambulance to Syria. “I consider myself to be relatively hardened now and think I can no longer be horrified by what I see. And then there’s something new, and even more shocking,” reflects Nina. “We have a lovely life here in Cornwall and that’s what gives me the freedom to do this. It sucks you in. It’s like I stepped off a cliff and begin abseiling.”

‘This crisis has changed the face of charity in the UK. People like what we’re doing. We’re just people helping people’

Nina says the response to refugees in crisis has been ‘amazing’

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People

Elleni’s story:

Elleni says: There were always refugees coming over to Lesbos but last summer, it started getting so much worse. We were seeing more and more boats coming, no longer just men looking for work but families and the disabled and elderly. People with burns all over their bodies. The first day I got involved, a boat sank in front of my eyes. My first reaction was to go in and help, but Dad said, it’s too far. They were actually gluing the boat together as it fell apart, but it wasn’t sticking, because it was all wet. When I went in up to my waist, with two tyre inner tubes, Dad said, fine then, go. I gave the tyres to two women, then there was a baby screaming and a young boy trying to hold him up out of the water. I took the baby and the older

‘The first day I got involved, a boat sank in front of my eyes. They were gluing it together as it fell apart.’

Facebook friendships with strangers helped Nina reach out

child grabbed a bit of boat. You really can’t explain how it feels. It can go wrong in a few seconds but you have to try and help. The little boy was screaming and screaming. The older one wasn’t a relative, just another person helping. Later, the smaller boy’s dad found him and thanked me. I didn’t see anyone die, although I saw someone nearly drown, but they managed to bring them back. As soon as you walk away from a dramatic situation like that, you realise life shouldn’t be like this. For me, there’s no going back from

MAIN PICTURE: TOBY WELLER

Elleni Kempson, 17, now lives in Cornwall but has a family home in Lesbos. Here, she tells of her experience helping refugees.

what I’ve seen, but I wouldn’t change that for the world. It’s shaped my life. But many people my age have no clue, especially if they hear people say that immigrants are coming and taking our jobs. I worry about my parents over there in Greece while I study in Cornwall. They haven’t had a real break and have seen the worst of it. The people of Cornwall have been amazing, too. It’s so nice to see so many people coming out to help. Taking time out to help people they’ve never even met - I think that’s truly wonderful.” www.ukactionforrefugees.com

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Interiors

Decidedly different There’s a wonderland to be discovered behind the front door of Glazebrook House Hotel in south Devon, as Sarah Pitt discovers

rom the outside you’d never guess. Surrounded by lush gardens with camellias coming into bloom, Glazebrook House Hotel has the solidly comfortable look of the Victorian family home it once was. The visitor’s first clue that perhaps there is, though, more than meets the eye comes when you stand in the porch. Here, hanging up just to the side is the skeleton of a canoe, an old-fashioned wooden one. It is the first curiosity I spot on the premises but definitely not the last. Walking into the lobby, I meet owner Pieter Hamman, a South African who moved to this tranquil spot from San Francisco three years ago with his wife Fran. At that point the hotel, up for sale, had quite a tired décor, chintzy and conventional. It is certainly not that now. “We bought the hotel in November 2013 and had committed to opening for a wedding on May 24, 2014. I had seven containers of furniture arriving over the first bank holiday weekend in May,” says Pieter. The word striking doesn’t quite do justice to the look the Hammans have created here. Alice in Wonderland is the theme for the bedrooms and the opulent reception rooms which feature fixtures and fittings from Brit designer Timothy Oulton. Feted in the US as a ‘British Revivalist’, Oulton’s hand-crafted furniture references British military history, old leather sofas of the kind found in gentlemen’s clubs. He’s also known for his collections of everything from silver salvers to street signs and even bowler hats (all to be seen in the hotel). This is about old made new, British heritage dusted down and given a touch of bling. In the lobby hangs a massive velvet Union Jack flag in bright red, royal blue and black. The reception desk is made from shiny aircraft wing. There are Chesterfield-style leather sofas, decorated with bright cushions, and giant shiny GB lettering on the wall. Oh, and a stuffed flamingo, perched on a side table. Is it real, I wonder? I don’t quite like to ask. Then Pieter points out the giant pen, beside the doorway leading to the library. Curiouser and curiouser.

F

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Interiors

All the bedrooms have Alice in Wonderland names, which fit them to a tee. There’s the White Rabbit room, with its white sheepskin bed and giant playing cards on the wall. And Tweedledees with its wacky twin four-posters. The Cheshire Cat bedroom has a portrait of a dodo on the wall and a tartan carpet underfoot, while the room named Bread and Butterflies is accessorized with retro suitcases above the bed. This ground floor disabled-access room looks over the stunning gardens. It was the gardens which originally sparked the Alice in Wonderland theme, as Pieter and Fran worked with designers and builders to completely transform the hotel in six months flat. “I still hadn’t named the rooms six weeks

[[ ‘The Alice in Wonderland idea really resonated because Lewis Carroll is quintessentially 19th century’

before the furniture was due to arrive and I was in a slight panic. Then my son, who was over from South Africa, said ‘didn’t Fran says she felt like Alice in Wonderland in the gardens?’ That was it! I grabbed a piece of paper and had the rooms named in ten minutes. “The Alice in Wonderland idea really resonated because the overarching theme of the house was a 19th century collector’s home, and Lewis Carroll is quintessentially 19th century. With 2015 being the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice in Wonderland it all fitted together.”

Designer Simon Laws from Timothy Oulton worked with the Hammans to transform every room. “He did all the interiors as well as the structural side of it, because we wanted an integrated project,” says Pieter. “He was just amazing.” Reclaimed wood has been used to create parquet floors in every room which have the patina of age, while the round tables in the dining room are also made from reclaimed wood. Every room is lit by chandeliers – there are no fewer than 45 throughout the hotel – while marble tessellated tiles give a 3D effect to the floors of the walk-in shower rooms. The wine and whisky tasting room is a fun take on the gentlemen’s smoking den, from which the ladies were banished in days of yore. There’s a marble table, a print of cigars and a Victorian boxer in a reproduction black and white photograph on the wall. “He was a middleweight boxing champion in Cornwall during the 1890s,” explains Pieter. Padded upholstery is a big theme in the hotel, in sofas, in the supremely comfortable beds and on the walls. Every surface, it seems, is covered in a squishy opulence, be it burnished leather or shimmering velvet, complementing all that reclaimed wood. In the boardroom, the office chairs are covered in luxurious cream sheepskin. Pieter is pleased with the transformation and he takes delight in his many guests’ reaction when they walk through the front door for the first time. “Oh my God, wow, it’s incredible, OMG, it’s incredible, that’s what they say,” he says, with a broad smile. “We think it’s pretty great too.” See www.glazebrookhouse.com

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GET THE

LOOK

Add art and sparkle for a touch of Alice in Wonderland eccentricity Eichholtz Kasbah oval chandelier £573.60 www. sweetpeaandwillow.com

White Rabbit cupboard handle £20 www. montysvintageshop.co.uk

Evans Lichfield Union Jack cushion £18 www. festiveglories.com

Silver tipped sheepskin rug £60 www. oliverbonas.com

Red velvet sofa £395 www. vintagevibe.co.uk

Mad Bonkers Alice upcycled art print £12 www.festiveglories.co 25

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04/04/2016 15:03:28


Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Soothing herbs Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, is planting plenty of herbs this year in her garden ne glorious summer, after several years of planting herbs along the solid pathways intersecting our kitchen garden, various thymes and sages all bloomed at once. There was a magnificent, ethereal haze of purple and pale mauve and the bees thought they were in heaven. After flowering, the plants were clipped back to just behind the flower spikes leaving short young shoots behind. We didn’t miss them too much because lavenders took over, followed by hyssop and finally marjoram. Sage will usually grow and flower again and the late flowers attract any humming bird hawk moths in the area. We tend to think of herbs as a few plants in a pot, or a small herb patch but they make fantastic garden plants especially as edgings. Best of all, they are easy to propagate and all of ours came from a few packets of seed and one or two mother plants. So far, all the herbs mentioned are Mediterranean kinds and do best in a hot, sunny position and poor, well-draining soil. They really do need the sun but if, like us, you have a rich clay soil which holds water in winter, don’t despair. You can still grow them but they won’t enjoy

O

[[

quite such long lives and you’ll For ‘Silver Posie’ or goldbe taking cuttings more often. leaved lemon thyme, buy a goodCommon thyme (Thymus vulsized plant with plenty of shoots I’m determined garis) is among the tastiest to and then set about taking cutto make more use and the small flowers show tings. Fill a full-sized seed tray herb teas this up well against small green with 50:50 soilless multipurleaves. This comes true from pose compost and potting grit. season and seed, so buy a packet and sow Take shoot tip cuttings just over watch the leaves into a shallow pot or seed tray 2.5cm/1in long, pull away the under glass or a cold frame. bottom leaves and insert them, swirling in a I mix ordinary multipurpose grid fashion so they are set clear teapot sowing compost four parts to about 2.5cm/1in apart. Water one with sharp sand and grit them in and place in a well-venfor extra drainage. Make sure tilated greenhouse or frame to the compost is moist but not root. When rooted, pot separatewet, then fill the seed tray, press ly into 9cm/3.5in pots and when lightly to get a smooth surface established, plant them out. and sprinkle the seeds thinly and evenly. Scatter Other herbs are easy to propagate by division, or sieve a thin layer of compost over the seeds so track down friends with various marjorams but only as deep as the seeds themselves, then (origanum) and lemon balm. The latter will press lightly again and water gently using a fine spread a little and can seed itself around but is rose (sprinkler) on the can. Label with type and easy to fork out from where you don’t want it. The date, then set on the staging to germinate. Use the mouthwateringly lemon aroma is so delicious, same method for common sage (Salvia officina- handling this herb is a pleasure. It is known to lis) and lavender. have calming properties and is said to restore

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This week’s gardening tips Anne’s advice for your garden

memory. All you need to make an aromatic tea is a couple of teaspoons of fresh leaves per mug of boiling water. Marjoram is a useful culinary herb but a good mass of it in bloom acts as a magnet to bees, hoverflies and butterflies in late summer. I’m determined to make more herb teas this season and plan to buy one of those clear teapots, to watch the leaves swirling. Mint is an obvious

choice and a few sprigs will yield a refreshing brew. Our spearmint has been in the family for years and much used to boil in with potatoes and peas, make mint sauce and for tea. This grows best in light shade and because it runs, is best given a bed all to itself. I don’t like restricting it to a sunken pot to curb spread because this tends to stunt the mint.

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

I’ve read about the box tree caterpillar which makes webs and defoliates box plants. Is this the same as the one that festoons hedges along roadsides?

No, box tree caterpillars are native to east Asia and are relatively new in the UK, with moths appearing in 2008 and the first caterpillars in 2011. They are just over 2.5cm/1in long when fully grown, green and yellow with thick black and white stripes running their length. They might have 2-3 generations a year and over-winter as young caterpillars nestling between leaves spun together by silk. Wayside hedges and trees literally festooned with sheets of webbing are usually the work of native ermine moth caterpillars. Other webbing caterpillars include the oak processionary moths, a southern European species that arrived here in 2005. These are nasty because they shed toxin-filled hairs that irritate skin and bring on asthma attacks. They are mainly a problem in and around London, where their nests are destroyed, which hopefully slows down their spread. The silky webbing is found on the trunks and branches but not among the leaves.

Q

My passion for ferns is growing but I don’t have a garden. What are the best ones to grow indoors?

Luckily for you, there are plenty, which will thrive in most rooms as long as the air is not too hot and dry. Maidenhair ferns (adiantum) are dainty, while the long, splaying fronds of ladder or Boston fern (nephrolepis) look great in hanging baskets or displayed on a plant stand. For something more solid, bird nest fern (Asplenium nidus) has great character. Hen and chicken fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) is good for cooler places and won’t blanch at temperatures just above freezing. Keeping compost moist and grouping plants together helps raise humidity.

• Prune back stems of Verbena bonariensis so they grow back from near the base. This is great at seeding itself around, so thin seedlings or move them about for a sprinkling of this wiry-stemmed plant. • There’s still time to prune tamarix whether grown as standards or in a hedge. This seaside plant will soon be making new growth. • Plant out hardened off plants of broad bean, lettuce, summer cabbage and spinach even if the soil is still cold. They’ll come

to more harm if roots congest in their containers. Water in well and cover lettuce and spinach with fleece or a polythene cloche if frost is threatened. • If bees and other pollinating insects are slow to find early fruit blossom such as peach, apricot and early plums, brush around the flowers lightly using a feather duster. Most effective on a warm, sunny day. • Strip old leaves from Cordyline (Torbay or cabbage palms) to tidy them up for summer.

Sow

Send your questions to Anne at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk

seeds of large-flowered zinnias to use for cutting. They’re best set one seed per plug or module (or two and remove one after germination). You can sow them together in a tray or pot but the seeds must be widely spaced, as they won’t transplant well if roots become tangled.

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Beauty

fave!

[[ All power to the flower: Botanical extracts are trending, so which new products will work for you?

Rehydrate Lush Skin Drink £12.95 This moisturiser is great for thirsty or weather-beaten skin. Packed with skin-softening avocado oil, it is soothing and offers oodles of hydration without being too greasy.

Abbie’s

Radiant Clarins Blue Orchid Oil (Debenhams £32) My own go-to favourite, it contains 100% plant extracts and works best by mixing a couple of drops in your daily moisturiser.

Dreamy Lancome Visionnaire Nuit Beauty Sleep Perfector (John Lewis £60) My mum loves this. For a nightcream, it’s lightweight in texture and leaves the skin looking brighter.

Beauty box Expert advice from beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot Botanicals are the latest trend in skincare at the moment. While looking after our skin is crucial, finding the moisturiser which is going to work for you can sometimes be a chore. The extracts and oils found in botanical products, from flowers, herbs, nuts, seeds and berries, can help to keep our complexion looking its best. Not only are many of these natural ingredients great for our skin when we consume them as part of a healthy varied diet, they can work wonders when applied topically, too. My favourite treat at the moment is Clarins Blue Orchid facial oil. My skin gets really dehydrated and it’s a perfect face-saver. I mix a couple of drops in to my daily moisturiser and apply it every morning and again, before going to bed. My skin looks radiant and feels amazing. I absolutely love this product and think it’s worth every penny.

Awaken The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask £24 Leave this gorgeous mask treatment on overnight for smooth and radiant #wokeuplikethis skin.

Blossom Liz Earle Superskin moisturiser £39 for 50ml This cream was rich, cooling and akin to sticking my face in an armful of flowers. Within days my skin felt more supple and was noticeably radiant.

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Shop

The edit Your straight line to style: this week true blues for springtime

+

Headband £7 Accessorize

Shirt dress £24.99 New Look

+

Bag £75 Dune

+

Earrings £10 stockwellceramics.co.uk

Shirt dress £35 BHS

+ Bag £165 Ralph Lauren at House of Fraser

+

Necklace £80 gsashop.co.uk

Shirt dress £40 www.lookagain.co.uk

+ Bag £70 Dune 29

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Sleeveless grey bodysuit £9.99 New Look

All in one e’re thrilled to see the gradual return of one key late Eighties/early Nineties fashion staple. Forget leggings (been there, done that) we’re welcoming back the body and asking, where have you been? Whether you prefer keep your silhouette streamlined and VPL-free, or simply can’t bear the way your tee shirt rides up to expose your midriff, the body (poppers and all) is a saving grace. We think this rollneck version from Pretty Little Thing is incredibly versatile and looks great teamed with another all-in-one revival, the jumpsuit. Try before you shy away; a jumpsuit can flatter so many body shapes. Phase Eight’s soft jersey number is a great option to ease yourself into the look.

W

Green floral print tapered jumpsuit £48, shoes £65 River Island V-panel tote bag £69 www.dunelondon.com 30

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Fashion

Tie-front cardigan £25 www.joythestore.com

Pointelle knit cocoon cardigan £24 www.apricotonline.co.uk

Snakeskin print panel bag £12.99 New Look

Lopa organic oval pink stone ring £32 www. oliverbonas.com

Drape cardigan £249 www.cocoacashmere. com

Zip-up blazer £75 www. lookagain.co.uk

Stone rollneck bodysuit £10 www.prettylittlething.com

Wide-fit stone suedette ghillie heels £24.99 New Look

Tabby jersey jumpsuit £79 Eira Ellipse, hem cardigan £69 www. phase-eight.co.uk 31

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Trend Have you got a fashion question or a trend you’d like to see tackled? @KathrynCMcleod

HOW TO WEAR IT:

MAIN PHOTO HAIR: ADAM AT SAKS, EXETER MAKE-UP: CLARINS, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD

Lightweight denim It’s not heavy, it’s the new staple says Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod ’m in seasonal limbo. The only good things about this time of year are the mid season sales. Other than that, it is impossible to leave the house appropriately dressed. Just yesterday I was pelted with hail while walking home from basking in the lunchtime sun on Exeter’s Cathedral green. Still, I refuse to wrap up. The lighter evenings and the fun of seeing sporadic sun means my over-the-knee boots and chunky knits have been thrown so far back in my wardrobe, that they probably made it the whole way to Narnia and hit Mr Tumnus on the head. Your fashion essentials at this time of year are threefold; good tights, sleeves and a fabric that has stood the test of time. Enter lightweight denim ensembles. Behold, a material Anyone who that is always worth investing in. It never falls out of favour shopped and is always, always the through the epitome of effortless cool. nineties will This season’s incarnations include the chambray shirt experience some (still going strong), skirts and denim-induced even classic denim jackets. Anyone who lived through the nostalgia right nineties will be experiencing about now some nostalgia right about now. They might also be worried about looking grungy. No way, Pippa and Reese are to blame for this is a whole new decade - which means a whole my most recent purchase, this dress, as seen new spin on these old favourites. Celebs leading above. Both have been spotted out and about at the vanguard include Pippa Middleton and in very similar little numbers. Reese wore hers Reese Witherspoon and honestly ladies, do either with ballet flats and Miss Middleton opted for of these sartorial role models suggest ‘grunge’ to cream wedges. Both wore big sunglasses. you in any way, shape, or form? I had a serious case of the heart-eyes, and Gone are the days of throwing a denim jacket reached for my wallet and shopping bag without over a Nirvana T-shirt, or taking the kitchen further ado. scissors to your best Levis, trying to emulate I struck gold in All Saints. This long sleeved Mariah Carey’s perfect cut-offs. This time number sits just above the knee and boasts a around denim is all about structure and pieces beautifully cinched waist. The denim is more that are cut to fit the female form. What a treat. lightweight than traditional jeans, but still

I

Dress, All Saints, Princesshay, £118 Bag, Next, Princesshay, £38 Shoes, Next, Princesshay, £26 Sunglasses, Next, Princesshay, £10

sturdy enough to keep warmth in and wind out. I’ll let you in on a little secret too, I love a thermal vest. It’s my cosy little secret that has paid its way a thousandfold already. These flats from Next are also hard workers. Smart, comfortable and compatible with just about everything I own. Trust me, I spent a happy hour last night putting them to the test with everything in my wardrobe, followed by a less happy 15 minutes putting everything back again. (Sorry, Tumnus.) All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk

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Tie-waist dress WAS £42 NOW £22 MISS SELFRIDGE

Pale Blue Fray Hem Skinny Jeans £22.99 NEW LOOK

GET THE

look Light blue denim button front pinafore dress £27.99 NEW LOOK

White embroidered tank top £26 RIVER ISLAND

Sunglasses £12 RIVER ISLANDS

Pale blue high-heel ghillie sandals £27.99 NEW LOOK Oversize denim jacket £24.99 NEW LOOK

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culture vulture Our guide to what’s on in the South West by woman-in-theknow Sarah Pitt All that jazz With a sassy, sexy soundtrack and rollercoaster plot, awardwinning musical Chicago is coming our way with its terrific tale of murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery in the big bad American city in the 1920s. Based on real life events, the action sees nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoot her lover and join cell block rival, double murderess Velma Kelly, in fighting to stay off death row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn. The tour stars EastEnders actor John Partridge as Billy; Dancing on Ice winner and Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie Hart and X Factor winner and real-life former prison warden Sam Bailey as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton... Chicago is at the Princess Theatre, Torquay from April 25-30 (www.atgtickets.com, £15.50-£44.50 plus £4 booking fee) and Hall for Cornwall, Truro from May 2-7 (www. hallforcornwall.co.uk, 01872 262466, £15.50-£40).

Island festival

One stitch at a time… There’s a chance to enjoy craft and contemplate saving the world at a sociable knit and natter event at Social Fabric in Totnes on Wednesday, April 20. Activist-turned-crafter Sarah Corbett from the Craftivist Collective is hosting a workshop at the trendy knitting and sewing shop from 10.30am. You can hear Sarah talk about Craftivism over a cup of tea, enjoy a Q&A session, have lunch and then take part in a hands-on workshop with one of Sarah’s kits. “Sarah describes Craftivism as a ‘gentle protest’ and we think Social Fabric is a great venue to host an introduction to this idea,” says Caroline Voaden of Social Fabric. Tickets £10 from www.socialfabrictotnes.co.uk

The Isles of Scilly have long been a favourite haunt of artists and writers. Now the archipelago off the far west of Cornwall is to host its first-ever arts festival throughout the whole of next month, following the World Pilot Gig Championships which take place there, April 29-May 2. Highlights include the chance to join artist Sue Lewington, well known for her published sketchbooks of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, on a sketching walk. You can also take a low-tide walk between the islands of Tresco and Bryher, which includes a pop-up seafood feast with fizz mid-channel. Find out more at www.visitislesofscilly.com

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Enjoy

Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Those born under the sign of Aries are independent spirits and born leaders. They love to follow a dream and have the charisma to inspire others and sweep them along with them. They are more than happy to take a gamble on a wild idea which captures their imagination. although if a scheme does not pay off quickly they are likely to get bored and move on. As friends, they are generous and caring but they do expect to get their own way most of the time.

Daisy Ridley born April 10 1992 It’s been quite a year for actress Daisy Ridley, who turns 24 tomorrow. She’s gone from guest spots in Casualty to international star in the latest Star Wars film, The Force Awakens. Her first ever screen role was three years ago, in 2013’s Bafta-nominated short film Lifesaver. Daisy, who grew up in Hertfordshire, is the great-niece of the late actor Arnold Ridley, who played Private Godfrey in Dad’s Army. Aries love to live adventurous lives and like to be the centre of attention, which, for Daisy, is probably just as well!

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Not sure what you are up to this week? No ‘todo’ notes? Well, don’t worry because whatever you have planned, unpredictable Uranus can take you by surprise! Switch into ‘flexible mode’ and you won’t go far wrong. Where romance is concerned, there are more shocks, some of them welcome and some certainly not!

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Whatever triggers this week’s ‘makeor-break’ attitude, Jupiter is sure to have something to do with it! Being told to be serious or to drop the light attitude could only spur you on. You may well ask yourself if this is what you want, but what is the alternative? Your influence is strong and as you are not inclined to conform, be careful what you say.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The energy that you are getting from Mars can be used to good effect in your relationships. Be aware that finances could struggle to keep pace with your spending and delay buying any large items until later. Tempted as you are to show someone how much you value them, do it by giving your time rather than splashing the cash.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Are you feeling dynamic and powerful? With Mars bringing passion your way, who could hold you back? Trying could see someone in hot water. Next weekend, you could feel in a time warp. Try not to get annoyed, even if you are. Maybe you are being over-sensitive when it comes to the activities of loved ones.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Just as you are thinking of making some concrete plans for the future,

someone seems to be very demanding of your time. Before you take this on, make sure that it is something you can easily deal with! Beware of making promises that you can’t keep.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) In a lucky week, look for the best opportunity to shine. There is something very attractive about you, even more than usual! It is hard to be serious when those around you are having fun, but look again. Could they be trying to convince you of something? All may not be as it seems.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) There may be a few delays to plans and ideas being fulfilled. Given that an adventure would do everyone good, put on your bossy boots and get in charge! Old feelings may be resurfacing with regard to an old flame, but be sure that you are not on track for a scorching!

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Loving Venus is rampaging through your sign and emotions for most of this month. You feel spontaneous even though, at times, this kind of scares you. There is the opportunity to impress with a basic and loving approach. No one expects you to be extraordinary although love, in itself, makes you feel it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Too many choices? Looking inside yourself seems the best way to come to any real conclusions. Just be yourself. Anyone who tries to push you into a mould will soon find out that you are a free spirit.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) It is easier to open new doors if you first close old ones. This may be out of your comfort zone. However, remember that fortune favours the brave. A bit of light-heartedness would not go amiss and would certainly get rid of some of that pent-up stress. A slight slowing in progress gives you the chance to stop and reassess.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Hard at work? Take your time over less urgent issues so that you do not burn yourself out. This is not a highenergy time, so don’t push too hard. Thinking of moving house or starting a family? By the weekend a plan starts to form.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) When love approaches this week, be prepared to show a little resistance. This person may not be your usual type or they may seek to take you out of your comfort zone. Think carefully before running for the hills! A bit of pressure can sometimes be a good thing. Certainly it serves to get you out of a rut. 35

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Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. We’ve handpicked the latest wellness trends, best-body secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, everyday

Less bounce per ounce Does sugary chocolate result in your kids fizzing with rather too much energy? Keen not for her own son to miss out on sweet treats altogether, enterprising mum Virpi VenhoJones has created these Supertreat bars, full of slow-relase energy and containing no refined sugar. The 100% organic treats, cost £1.99 per 40g bar and contain carob, whole milk, cocoa butter and coconut blossom nectar. They certainly look yummy! www.supertreats.co.uk

Outdoor fit National Gardening Week begins on Monday and this year’s theme is all about keeping fit. Gardener’s Question time regular Bunny Guinness, who is behind the book Garden Your Way to Health and Fitness, is supporting the event and says: “The wonderful thing about gardening is that, unlike repetitive exercises at the gym, it can provide all over-body fitness – raking, weeding, digging and other gardening tasks all use different muscles and test your body in different ways.” Rosemoor Garden in north Devon will be holding special events, including Tai-Chi classes in the grounds.www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

BYE-BYE, BAGS! Send your bags packing: Pop a couple of Masque Bar Hydro Gel Eye patches on for half an hour to mimick the restorative effects of a power nap. They’re infused with gold, snail extract (lawks!) and antiinflammatory adenosine. £29.99 for 30 pairs at www.boots.com.

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04/04/2016 15:59:36


Go surfing

Pretty happy “It’s important to see what your strengths are, be OK with those moments of insecurity and really discover what it is about you that sets you apart from everybody else,” says actress Kate Hudson, who has written a user-friendly guide to making healthy habits part of your life. Her live-positive book, Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways To Love Your Body, is packed with feel-good affirmations from the Hollywood mum-of-two, whose youngest, Bing-

ham, four, is the son of Teignmouth rocker Matt Bellamy. She says: “The book’s about confidence in women, especially empowerment, throwing the sort of idealist idea of beauty out of the window and really looking at the reality of how we live and construct our own lives. “There are a lot of people out there who want to be motivated. We all need encouragement and to support each other.”

Discovery Surf School at Bigbury-on-Sea is partnering up with the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty organisation to offer half price surfing events to Westcountry residents with PL, EX or TQ postcodes. A two hour surf lesson will cost just £19 on these special Sundays and they’re open to anyone aged six and over. The next session takes place on April 24, with one a month happening until October. There are also two half-price or stand up paddleboard lessons (suitable for ages 12 and up) taking place in June. More details at: www.discoverysurf. com

Sweet dreams

Inspired? Runners will be supporting good causes including Macmillan, Children’s Hospice South West, Clic Sargent, St Luke’s Hospice and breast cancer support charity Coppa Feel! when they take on the Plymouth Half marathon next Sunday. Show your love by cheering them on – you can even buy a souvenir T-shirt here (www. plymouthhalfmarathon.com) and get in training for next year!

What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

Made with 100% natural ingredients, spritz this aromatherapy mist spray containing lavender, honeysuckle and chamomile (£7, Holland & Barrett) on your pillow and around the bedroom to help you relax and get some serious beauty sleep. @WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 37

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Wellbeing

Crow’s feet?

Under-eye patches are the hottest news in the war on wrinkles

with microscopic plastic structures (similar to needles) less that half a millimetre in length. They feel bumpy to the touch but are not sharp or painful to the skin. When applied to the skin, like a sticking plaster, these patches painlessly create hundreds of Dr Pradnya tiny micro channels in the epiApte says: The dermis. By creating these micro skincare treatchannels, this causes wound ment that all healing type reactions in the The patches are the celebriskin, which in turn allows colideal for those ties are talking lagen to be formed that softens/ who don’t want about right now reduces the lines or wrinkles. It is called Radara. It consists of is a natural process. wrinkle-reducing stick-on patches that fit around Radara is recommended for injections or are the eye area and it is a treatment use once per day, ideally in the not quite ready that you use at home on a nightevening as part of your nightly ly basis for 28 days. skincare routine. By using these for them The Radara system skincare patches every night for 28 days, system consists of ultra thin you will see a reduction in some flexible patches that have very cases of up to 35%. The lines fine micro needling along them, and wrinkles that are treated along with a pure hyaluronic are what are known as the acid serum. static lines, they are not the lines we see when The patches are cleverly shaped and coated we squint our eyes (these lines have to be treated I’m curious about a treatment I read about recently. Apparently, lots of celebrities are using some kind of patches to reduce crow’s feet. Could you tell me what they’re called and how they work? HW, Cullompton

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with wrinkle reducing injections). Radara is not recommended to be used with other topical creams or serums because the hyaluronic acid serum that comes with the kit is in its purest form. Perfumes or dyes in other products could reduce the efficacy of the patches. The plastic structures on the Radara patches are specially designed to create microchannels into the skin, down to the layer of the stratum corneum. These micro channels quickly heal, meaning that Radara can be used on a daily basis for a number of weeks. This is a wonderful treatment that can also be used for patients that have wrinkle reducing injections and can prolong the effect of them. The patches are also ideal for those who do not wish to have the wrinkle reducing injections or for those patients that are not quite ready for them. Dr Pradnya Apte runs the Revitalise Rejuvenate MediClinic based in Southernhay, Exeter (01392 426285). Her clinic is the official stockist of Radara here in the South West. A 28 day treatment costs £240 but West magazine readers can enjoy a special discounted rate of £200 by quoting West when booking during the month of April 2016 (terms apply).

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05/04/2016 14:06:55


Drink

Darren Norbury

Beer of the week Shepherd Neame’s Spitfire is such an iconic beer, but now the Kent brewery has released Spitfire Gold, available in bottle and I prefer the new version. Well balanced, it has biscuity malt balanced with grassy, fresh, light citrus notes, and a big hit of hops on the aroma. Original Spitfire is still available.

HIGH FLYER Padstow Brewing Co has developed a beer specially for the St Tudy Inn, north Cornwall. St Tudy Ale is an easy-drinking session beer which chef/owner Emily Scott has developed in collaboration with brewster Caron Archer.

Knock, knock

A stand-up tour raising money for Shelter continues through pubs in Cornwall and Devon this week. Stand-up Damian Kingsley is touring his show without a penny in his own pocket. See the dates at www.damiankingsley.co.uk

talks beer am seated at the bar in my local, standard brown bitter in their portfolio if they’re notebook in hand, as ever, smiling to going to make inroads into local pubs, especially myself. It’s because I have a glass of traditional wet-led boozers. And so Cousin Jack beer before me that makes me think (3.8% ABV) was born. Beautiful amber colour, one of my outlandish predictions may actually that hop spiciness again, and pronounced, slightcome true. British bitter is going ly bitter chocolate notes. It’s to make a comeback. Westcountry bitter, not quite as I know there’s plenty of beer we know it, but close enough to out there called bitter, but I’m the originals to please traditionBritish bitter is talking about the brown stuff, alists. going to make the traditional fare of the WestLast week, when I was visitcountry drinker, the mainstay ing Harbour Brewery, owner a comeback – of industries that have been and Eddie Lofthouse said they were expect beers gone. considering giving this sort of with additions The beer in question is a guest bitter a go, and with their track ale, JB Bitter, from the Bank record this will, presumably, such as fruit, tea Top Brewery, in Bolton. On the have stand-out features that will and coff ee to face of it, it’s a perfectly good, set it apart from a run-of-thecome to the fore brown – oh, no, we’re supposed mill brew. to say copper, amber these days So why the British bitter re– standard bitter, but the JB, surgence? Needs must, that’s it turns out, stands for juniper why. With a global shortage of berries and their subtle infusion has lifted this hops, and the high-bitterness new world variebeer to a new level. There’s spiciness, hints of ties especially at a premium, it’s time for Britchocolate and nuts, too. Very accomplished. ish brewer to look at the hops we grow here and My mind drifts back to a couple of weeks before think: “What can I do with these?”. Expect milds when I was at an event at the Dynamite Valley (low-hopped beers) too, as well as beers with adBrewery, at Ponsanooth near Falmouth. Dynaditions such as fruit, coffee or tea to come to the mite established themselves as hop-forward, fore. American-style brewers, but economic reality Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk has taught them that they need something like a @beertoday

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Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Flour

with Tim Maddams lour, where would we be without it? I use the white spelt in a lot of baking and I No bread, no pastry, no cakes and love gram flour (a key ingredient in an onion worst of all, no batter! But these bhaji). Gram flour’s cheap, versatile and is also days, if we need some flour for a naturally gluten free. Made of ground up chickrecipe, things can all get a bit conpeas, it has a sort of integral honesty that I like. fusing. Organic or non-organic, You wouldn’t want to attempt self-raising or plain, zero-zero or bread or even pasta with gram stoneground? Do we need corn flour, but when it comes to crackflour, semolina flour, buckwheat ers and batters there are plenty Gram flour has a flour or even rice flour - all are of options open to you. If you mix kind of integral among the many options out it 50/50 with buckwheat it makes there, or called for, in the latest a very passable shortbread or honesty I like. recipes. pastry, too, but be warned, the Made of ground As recently as ten years ago, results will be very short indeed. chickpeas, it’s for instance, most of us had never I almost always add malted heard of spelt. If you wanted to wheat flour to my bread doughs, cheap, versatile lay your hands on some, you’d mostly for the flavour, but also and gluten free probably need to go to a specialist because the more readily availhealth food shop. Now, it’s available sugars in the flour promote able from most supermarkets in a faster proving process. both wholemeal and white forms. Malted grains give a nutty edge I keep several kinds of flour on hand at home: to the flavour as a whole. Look out, too, for malt spelt (white and wholemeal), chick pea (known as flour or malt flakes, which add a tasty element gram flour), malted wheat, rice and buckwheat. to cooking.

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Flour power White spelt flour can be used in everything from bread and pasta to bakes and batters. Make a self-raising version by adding a teaspoon of baking powder for every 250g of flour. Wholemeal spelt is quite robust, but works well in bread and drop scone recipes. Sieve it first, to remove coarser particles. Use it also to make a rustic kind of pasta or even a few tortillas. Just don’t aim to get them too thin, or this heavy dough will crack when you roll it. @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99) 41

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04/04/2016 14:42:04


Enjoy

a weekend in

Padstow

ick Stein’s restaurants have made Padstow a famous foodie destination, but there is much more to this pretty Cornish fishing port than food - although the food is, we must admit, pretty special here.

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Stay: Book a room at the Metropole, right in the centre of town. A standard double room costs from £109 a night and it also has dogfriendly rooms available, with a surcharge of £15 per night for four-legged guests. Enjoy harbour views from the terrace, or book a hot stones massage (from £55) in its spa treatment room. www.the-metropole.co.uk. Visit: Or you could make like David and Samantha Cameron and stay at The Cellars, just along the coast, which is great for a family get-together. This huge old house overlooking Harlyn Bay sleeps up to 13 people in its six bedrooms and it’s just a 20-yard dash from the front door into the sea (www.theoldfishcellars.com). Eat:

Book ahead and follow the crowds to the Stein’s eateries: The Seafood Restaurant,

St Petroc’s Bistro and Rick’s Café. These three venues also have accommodation available to book. For a lower key treat, you can buy traditional seaside fare to take away from Stein’s Fish & Chips. Chef Paul Ainsworth cooks up delicious modern British recipes at his place, No 6, and also serves up seafood and Italian-style dishes at Rojano’s on the Square.

Shop:

Browse a cornucopia of amazing Cornish food at Padstow Farm Shop at Trethillick Farm (www.padstowfarmshop.co.uk). You’ll find produce as diverse as handmade Padstow dried pasta, a wealth of locally-made cheese including cider-rinsed Keltic Gold cheese, free range meat and, in the off licence, toffee and banoffee flavoured spirits, made by Newquay-based Todka.

Drop in:

On Grace’s Gallery, a tiny working artist’s studio based in the old manor office

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of Prideaux Place on Fentonluna Lane (www. gracesgallerypadstow.co.uk). Grace Pattinson has worked here for 15 years and produces wonderful portraits, as well as landscapes inspired by farm life. Grace welcomes visitors, call to check she’ll be there on 07703 414139.

Browse: The

wine and spirits at independent wine merchant Bin Two on The Drang. Alternatively, enjoy a glass (or a coffee) on the terrace and tuck into a lobster brioche - seafood here is caught by local day boats out of the harbour.

Do: Bring bikes (or hire them at www.padstowcyclehire.com) and pedal along a stretch of the beautiful Camel Trail, the former railway branch line which leads all the way inland to Wadebridge and Bodmin.

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Take a two-hour boat trip, catch your own fish and then ask: what would Rick do?

Catch: Your own fish and then ask, what would Rick do? A two-hour fishing

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Kayakin g

Camel Trail to Padstow

Open studio

No 6 Padstow’s Paul and Emma Ainsworth

trip on the Emma Kate II out of the harbour at Padstow costs £15 per person and you get to keep your entire catch, www.emmakate2.com

May Day

Ce lla rs Co tta ge

Don’t miss: Padstow’s annual May Day celebration is something everyone should experience at least once: the crowds, musicians and the town’s famous ‘Obby ‘Oss will be parading through the streets on May 2 this year (it’s usually on May 1, unless the date falls on a Sunday, as it does this year). Be warned, this spectacular event draws huge crowds, so book accommodation early if you are planning to stay. Look out too for the town’s Park and Ride (opposite Tesco). Visit: The National Lobster Hatchery (www. nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk) which is sited on the town’s South Quay. Here you can see how tiny crustaceans are reared from eggs before being released into the sea. This process ensures healthy numbers of the species are sustained. Admission is just £9 for a family of four and you can also support the hatchery’s work by adopting a lobster. Closer to home, many fishmongers are supporting its work through the Buy One, Set One Free campaign.

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04/04/2016 14:44:53


St Kew Inn

The Scarlet Hotel

The Scarlet Hotel

My Secret Westcountry

Tom Hunter Tom Hunter is head chef at The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, near Newquay. He lives with partner Ellie and their four-year-old son, Oscar, with another baby on the way. Tom came from London with plans to stay in Cornwall just a year. Twelve years on, it’s still the place that he calls home. My Favourite: Walk: I love going for a walk on Perranporth beach on the north Cornwall coast. It’s so huge that sometimes it feels like you have the place to yourself. A relaxing Sunday stroll is the perfect way to blast away the cobwebs. Beach: Mawgan Porth beach is stunning

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People

Boscastle Food Festival

Perranporth

Pub: St Kew Inn, near Wadebridge, hands down. Best Sunday lunch ever. It offers everything expected of a traditional village pub and I would recommend anyone to go there. It’s particularly cosy in colder months when they have the log fire ablaze, the warmest of warm welcomes and a proper Cornish atmosphere. Restaurant: I absolutely love Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. It’s relaxed with simple and generous food. There’s a stunning view of Padstow, accompanied by amazing fresh food. The seafood bar right in the middle of the restaurant means you can watch chefs assembling the platters with fresh seafood, caught by local fishermen.

Cornish Food Box

whether the tide is in or out. Both The Scarlet and our sister hotel The Bedruthan Hotel and Spa offer such sensational views of this landscape and it’s an absolute pleasure going to work every day to be greeted by this. I was born and trained in London so this is a completely different work environment. I feel lucky every day.

Festival: I love the Boscastle Food Festival, which is held in October every year and is always really relaxed and friendly. It’s a real highlight in the foodie calendar. Activity: I would definitely say beach walks with the family. We’re so lucky to live here in Cornwall, never far away from a gorgeous sandy beach. It’s good for your soul and a great environment for kids. We have such good quality of life here.

Food: It has to be a traditional Cornish pasty, you just can’t beat one. Obviously the bigger the better and I prefer mine fresh out of the oven.

Tipple: I do like a pint of Tribute (St Austell Brewery) every now and then.

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant

Weekend away or overnight stay: Gidleigh Park on Dartmoor is pretty special. A stay there offers superb food (naturally a big attraction for me) in a fantastic setting and is just the perfect Westcountry retreat. It’s also surrounded by wonderful gardens and woods.

Shop: The Cornish Food Box in Truro. It offers loads of lovely Cornish food and drink. Cornish food and drink is now globally renowned and it’s great that we don’t need to leave the county to get it. Great for gifts or just personal treats, I’d definitely recommend it.

Treat: It would have to be a nice cream tea, which for me is just the perfect way to spend an afternoon. At The Scarlet, we ensure that our afternoon tea is a real experience for our guests and we don’t put a limit on it. If you run out of any of the delicious delicacies, your spread will be continually topped up.

‘Secret’ place: It’s not much of a secret, but The Old Grammar School in Truro is amazing. This restaurant is where I love to go to unwind and have a great time with some wonderful food, cocktails and top notch staff. www.scarlethotel.co.uk 45

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04/04/2016 15:13:30


My life

WHAT A WEEK

Carless whisper Chris McGuire raises local eyebrows with his latest confession job – was for nothing. You see, our cottage is very close to the centre of town, which means the parking spaces on the street are always filled with the cars of non-residents popping to the shops or to work. This isn’t much of an issue for us as we don’t have a car. car?” “You don’t have… a… car?” I nodded and felt an invisible I shook my head. “I never wall fall between us. learned to drive.” “My God. You’re one of them.” “But, but… how do I made his tea “Them?” you get to places?” “Pedestrians.” “I walk. We walk.” with the nine It was true. What I learned I nodded to a sugars he asked this week is, for many Westcounphoto of my girlfor – briefly try folk, not driving is their idea friend and tried of hell. to sound butch. considering It had all started so well. The builder sank providing some Really. We were having some onto the sofa and building work done in our house. shook his head. I insulin on the Nothing monumental, but well darted towards side beyond my meagre DIY abilities. the dining So there I was, doing my duty, room, to close chatting to one of the builders the door and about ‘man stuff’ - in this case hide where football. It’s a subject that I my road know nothing about, so I just nodded and made bike was resting (it never the appropriate grunting noises as necessary. sleeps outside). I got Anyway, I made my builder his tea with the there too late. He saw it nine sugars he asked for – I briefly considered and winced. providing some insulin on the side – and hung “You’re not... around as he drank it. a cyclist are you?” This led to another bit of man-talk where I I nodded. There was nodded sagely as he rhapsodised about his new no way of denying it. We 60 inch TV that gave an ‘immersive panoramic didn’t say much to each viewing experience’. I tried to look impressed, alother after that. though it struck me that you’d need to press your I’m 36 and clearly, for forehead against the screen for 60 inches to fill many in the Westcountry, your peripheral vision. getting to my age withThen it happened. out ever driving is border“How do you go on with parking round here line freakish. Having lived in then?” London most of my adult life, I sighed. All my good work was about to go out driving was an expensive and unthe window. All the laddish grunting and bravanecessary luxury. But how to exdo I’d built up in order to mask that, essentially, plain that? That night, I imagine my I type for a living – rather than having a ‘proper’ builder friend went home and told his

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hankfully, the man steadied himself. For a moment I had genuinely thought he was going to fall. I stepped forward to help, but he recoiled. “What?” he gasped. “You don’t have a

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family of the weirdo who had avoided what was clearly, to him, such an essential rite of passage into adulthood. Well, things are about to change. This week I started driving lessons, and not because I want to avoid further awkward conversations. I’m learning because, this summer, my partner and I are expecting a new arrival. This little bundle of joy will be a proper Westcountry person, and, as such, needs to travel by car. Yes, this week, after 36 years, I’m about to break the habit of a lifetime. Just don’t tell my bike. Writer Chris McGuire will be getting a car (and a baby seat) very soon @McGuireski

NEXT WEEK: Phil Goodwin on love, life and parenthood in the South West 46

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04/04/2016 15:18:02


GALLE RY EXHIBITION

THE ART OF DEVON

This Spring, the gallery is playing host to a remarkable array of artists living and working here in Devon. A celebration of the creative talent that we are fortunate enough to have all around us, with truly exceptional works of art from James Bonstow, Andre Daniel, Sophie Gregson, James Portsmouth and Wendy Chudley amongst others…

Monday 4th to Saturday 23rd April

Call us on 01548 853 848 or email info@maynegallery.co.uk if you would like more information about any of the artists or other forthcoming events we have planned. www.maynegallery.co.uk info@maynegallery.co.uk 01548 853 848 14 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1NY

SPRING IN BLOOM National Gardening Week • 11 – 17 April National Open Gardens Day • 15 April RHS National Rhododendron Competition • 23 – 24 April Spring Craft & Design Fair • 30 April – 2 May

Visit us as Rosemoor bursts into a riot of colour. Great Torrington, Devon rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Follow us @RHS_Rosemoor RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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05/04/2016 14:07:45


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